One of the most common questions that our passengers ask, and one that is difficult for us to answer is “which is the best Galapagos Cruise?” That’s because the answer depends on the travelers´ interests, budget, and availability.
With approximately 100 vessels sailing along the Galapagos archipelago, the categories of Galapagos boats are quite diverse. You will find small boats, low-cost yachts, up to the large ones and then there are boutique yachts. Here is some information for you to consider in choosing the best boat for sailing the Galapagos Islands.
If we filter the list based on what we can offer, the number of options reduces exponentially, especially if we choose three main categories: Boutique, First Class, and Tourist Superior; so, we can have an accurate list of boats.
As we know, passengers make decisions based on their needs and expectations. A small yacht, for example, is ideal for those travelers that are looking for exclusivity, comfortable and convenient facilities, personalized service, and the opportunity to share the experiences with their cruise mates as well as the crew of the yacht. On the other hand, the bigger vessels offer a concept closer to a Caribbean cruise, with lots of activities and services that provide entertainment options aboard. Often on big boats, travelers are divided into small groups, which are treated separately, so the integration between all the guests can be a bit difficult.
100-50 Passenger Boat
20-40 Passenger Boat:
16 Passenger Boat (or less):
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2. Expeditionary vs. Scuba Diving Cruises
If we filter the list based on what we can offer, the number of options reduces exponentially, especially if we choose three main categories: Boutique, First Class, and Tourist Superior; so, we can have an accurate list of boats.
As we know, passengers make decisions based on their needs and expectations. A small yacht, for example, is ideal for those travelers that are looking for exclusivity, comfortable and convenient facilities, personalized service, and the opportunity to share the experiences with their cruise mates as well as the crew of the yacht. On the other hand, the bigger vessels offer a concept closer to a Caribbean cruise, with lots of activities and services that provide entertainment options aboard. Often on big boats, travelers are divided into small groups, which are treated separately, so the integration between all the guests can be a bit difficult.
3. Which is the best category?
An increasing number of travelers arrive at the Galapagos islands looking for an expeditionary cruise that takes them to watch the unique archipelago´s flora and fauna. Nevertheless, there is a considerable percentage of people that look forward to diving into the deepest waters of Galapagos.
Even though both types of trips provide a cruise along the islands, the itineraries and services vary considerably. In the case of expedition or naturalist cruises the excursions focus mainly on discovering and exploring islands, its endemic species, and also to experience the underwater world through the snorkeling in some sites; all the activities are led by a naturalist guide certified by the Galapagos National Park. Expedition ships offer cruises from 4 days up to 15 days.
On dive cruises, the itineraries are focused on discovering the marine wildlife in locations that are not normally visited by expedition cruises. Therefore, it is possible to visit certain islands, but the journey it is planned thinking on the quantity and type of dives. Additionally, it is mandatory for travelers to hold an Advance PADI certification or its equivalent for being able to join the cruise. Minimum time required for this diving cruises along Galapagos is eight days. There is a requirement that passengers stay on the land after the cruise a minimum of 20 hours before the flight back to the mainland of Ecuador for safety reasons. It is important to note that Puerto Ayora has a hyperbaric chamber.
Tourist Superior: Basic but comfortable facilities, a bit limited indoor/outdoor spaces, small and nice cabins, not fancy decoration and simple menus.
First Class: Better quantity and quality of the facilities onboard, more recreational and relaxing areas, better decoration and service aboard as well as more personalized. One of the best examples of this category is the Galapagos Seaman Journey
Boutique: facilities with luxury touches, wider spaces, contemporary decor, personalized service onboard, wider cabins, and in some cases with balconies, Jacuzzis, cruise directors, and a gourmet menu either serviced or buffet. The best example of this category is the Galapagos Sea Star Journey, which was awarded as South America´s Leading Boutique Cruise by the World Travel Awards in 2017.
Latin Trails, on the other hand, offers two of the best cruise ships in their categories with a focus on high standards of services, always looking forward to exceeding guests´ expectations. In both vessels (Galapagos Sea Star Journey and Galapagos Seaman Journey), there are offered convenient facilities aboard; knowledgeable and experienced guides; a gastronomic concept that combines international and Ecuadorian cuisine as well as eco-friendly amenities, among other aspects.
Let us know your comments and concerns as well as the way that Latin Trails can help you to decide on your choice of Galapagos Cruise. We are ready to assist you in any way possible. Please send us an email at [email protected].
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